Five Questions for March 11, 2013: Heidi Owens West

Heidi Owen West of Saratoga Springs, is the proprietor of Lifestyles of Saratoga, a women's clothing boutique.

Q How long have you been in business?

A We've been in business for 21 years. Right now, we are renovating -- open and renovating. We'll have a grand reopening soon.

Q What help do you have at the store?

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A I have a great team here. Michele Hewlett is the store manager and Susan Jones is the office manager. I've known Susan since I was 5 years old. We lived next-door to each other.

Q What else do you do?

A I volunteer with several nonprofit organizations. I'm the vice president of Saratoga Rowing Association, and I've been very involved with Partners of the Double H Ranch. I also support Planned Parenthood and the Saratoga Arts Council. And I mentor the Saratoga Springs High School FIRST Robotics Team.

Q Is your family involved in these groups as well?

A My 15-year-old, Tristan, who goes to Saratoga Springs High School, rows. He's also in the Robotics Club. My 13-year-old, Miles, who attends Saratoga Central Catholic High School, bowls and is going to do Odyssey of the Mind, the creative problem-solving competition.

Q When you aren't working, what do you do for fun?

A I row. I've rowed in the Head of the Charles Regatta, the nationals and the worlds -- master-level races. I also run in distance relay races like Reach the Beach and the Ragnar Relay Series. And I'm taking a theater class. Finding time for everything is a balancing act. If I had more free time, I would do more with theater. But right now I'm concentrating on the renovation of the store.